With the weight of the built environment exceeding that of the total biomass for the first time, the human impact on the planet has passed a symbolic but significant milestone. What we do matters, and such a society needs to be run as effectively as possible.

Every year the World Economic Forum publishes its Global Risks Report. This document details the perceived greatest risks to human civilisation. The 2021 edition is published as we begin to see a way out of the Covid-19 pandemic and refocus on the more familiar threats of anthropogenic climate change. The 2021 report is also significant for its focus on the risks stemming from digital inequality and societal schisms.

We speak to a selection of experts about these risks and the actions that can be taken by engineers to mitigate them. We also address the changes in thinking that we might need to adopt along the way.

Guests

Amanda Sturgeon, Regenerative Design Lead, Mott MacDonald

Anthony, Huszar, Global Health Security Lead, Mott MacDonald

John Carstensen, Climate Resilience Lead, Mott MacDonald

Mark Enzer, Chief Technology Officer, Mott MacDonald

Tom O’Rourke, Thomas R. Briggs Professor in Engineering Emeritus, Cornell University

Partner

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Their purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything they do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming their clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

Resources

For the World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2021, visit: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/01/global-risks-report-2021

For the paper detailing human-made mass exceeding the biomass, visit: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-3010-5

For some of the work being undertaken at Cornell to increase infrastructure resilience, visit: https://lifelines.cee.cornell.edu/